Jewish Heritage Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Throughout our Nation's history, America has benefited from a
greatly diverse population, comprising a vibrant mix of ideas,
religions, national origins, and ethnic backgrounds. And from this
mix, we have inherited a Nation based on democratic principles, free
enterprise, and the freedom to pursue a better way of life.

Jewish Americans have played an important part in the success of
the American experience. They have dedicated themselves to the
challenges of building a better America; and their patriotism, hard
work, and faithful commitment to community and family have enriched our
culture and improved our country.

Since our Nation's founding, millions of Jews have immigrated to
America, embracing the promise of opportunity and tolerance that forms
the heart of the American dream. Jews fled persecution, pogroms, and
the horrors of deadly prejudice to begin new lives where they could
worship in freedom, prosper in society, and realize their dreams in
peace. They also brought with them a spirit of faith and a strong work
ethic that enhanced our culture and promoted national prosperity.

The Jewish community in America has helped shape our Nation's
heritage and further our efforts toward building a land where all
people can live free and be treated equally under the law. As
entre-preneurs and public servants, scholars and philanthropists, and
countless other callings, Jewish Americans have provided wisdom,
energy, and leadership wherever they settled and in whatever calling
they followed.

During the early days of our Republic, President George Washington
wrote to the Hebrew congregations of Philadelphia, New York,
Charleston, and Richmond, to say that "The power and goodness of the
Almighty were strongly manifested in the events of the late glorious
revolution: and His kind interposition in our behalf, has been no less
visible in the establishment of our present equal government. In war
He directed the sword, and in peace He has ruled in our councils."
President Washington's message is equally applicable today, as we
engage in our war against terrorism and work to establish a lasting
peace in the Middle East.

In celebrating Jewish Heritage Week, we reflect with joy upon the
many contributions Jewish Americans have made to the arts, education,
industry, science, and our very way of life. The values and traditions
of Judaism have contributed greatly to our culture and history; and
they have played a major role in the success of our great Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 14 through 21,
2002, as Jewish Heritage Week. I urge all Americans to learn about the
history of Jewish Americans and to participate in activities that
highlight the accomplishments of these citizens.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.